The Astroway at AstroWorld gave guests a bird's-eye view of the park. It is pictured here on June 1, 1968.

The Astroway at AstroWorld gave guests a bird's-eye view of the park. It is pictured here on June 1, 1968.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

The Astroway at AstroWorld gave guests a bird's-eye view of... Photo-5385422.72994 - seattlepi.com

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Pictured under construction in May 1968, the Alpine Sleigh roller coaster carried guests into chilly, dark tunnels and featured a surprise abominable snowman that jumped out at the end.

Pictured under construction in May 1968, the Alpine Sleigh roller coaster carried guests into chilly, dark tunnels and featured a surprise abominable snowman that jumped out at the end.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

Pictured under construction in May 1968, the Alpine Sleigh roller... Photo-5385421.72994 - seattlepi.com

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Pictured in January 1976 is AstroWorld's infamous Texas Cyclone. It opened in the summer of 1976 and was a replica of the Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster. The track required 336,000 feet of boards and 14,000 feet of linear track.

Pictured in January 1976 is AstroWorld's infamous Texas Cyclone. It opened in the summer of 1976 and was a replica of the Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster. The track required 336,000 feet of boards and

The Texas Cyclone is pictured on June 12, 1976. Photo-5385390.72994 - seattlepi.com

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Thunder River in AstroWorld is pictured on May 22, 1980.

Thunder River in AstroWorld is pictured on May 22, 1980.

Photo: Houston Chronicle

Thunder River in AstroWorld is pictured on May 22, 1980. Photo-5385389.72994 - seattlepi.com

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AstroWorld executive Bill Crandall displays the then-new safety devices on the Texas Cyclone in 1976. Before they were installed, the park had complaints of people standing up during the ride. Also, it was just unsafe.

AstroWorld executive Bill Crandall displays the then-new safety devices on the Texas Cyclone in 1976. Before they were installed, the park had complaints of people standing up during the ride. Also, it was just

Greezed Lightnin' is shown under construction on Dec. 8, 1977. The ride had the ability to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds, and thrilled riders with its speed and loop.

Greezed Lightnin' is shown under construction on Dec. 8, 1977. The ride had the ability to accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds, and thrilled riders with its speed and loop.